These taxes were set at a very moderate rate but two aspects of these taxes upset the colonists. First of all, violators of the taxes were tried without juries. The second and probably the most significant reason for the American Revolution was that the colonies were being taxed without being represented in Parliament. The need for representation is not a radical idea at all; it is the basis of a republic. The colonists' demands were not preposterous; they just did not want to be contributing money to finance a government in which they do not participate. Many colonists and even some English people disagreed with the policy of British taxation. The British thought it made sense because they believed in virtual representation. Eventually, due to the high degree of colonial protest, parliament repealed the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and most of the Townsend Duties. After the repeal of the Stamp Act, Parliament attempts to legislate over the philosophical differences between England and the colonies by passing the Declaratory Act. This told the colonies that Parliament could legislate for them in all cases (including taxes). This act did not have any effect on the colonies because it did not chance the fact that Britain was extorting money out of the colonies without giving them a voice. Another example the conservative political nature of this revolution is the absence of physical violence against government officials. Groups such as the Sons of Liberty did lead protests but they did not let any of their members carry weapons. This group made their point by damaging property. The last example of the colonists' conservative attitude is the Olive Branch Petition. The Olive Branch Petition was written (in very polite language) by John Dickinson just after the beginning of the war demanding three things: a cease-fire at Boston, repeal of the Coercive Acts, and negotiations about American rights.